We sit down with Bobby Burk of Bulleit Whiskey to explore a career shaped by music, hospitality, and human connection. From promoting live shows to building one of America’s most recognizable whiskey brands, Bobby reflects on the relationships, mentors, and experiences that shaped his journey. We discuss the legacy of Steve Beal, the evolving culture of hospitality, and the importance of authentic storytelling. We also chat about Bulleit’s newest release, Bulleit ’87, and why meaningful connections remain at the heart of the spirits industry.
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Ep 389 – Marcus Piña: Mezcal Has a Nice Ring to It
From touring musician to tech professional to agave spirits entrepreneur, Marcus Pina’s journey has been anything but conventional. We explore his life shaped by military moves, European adventures, Seattle’s music scene, and a fascination with Mexico. Marcus shares how he discovered mezcal, partnered with master producer José Alberto, and built Creador Spirits around authenticity, craftsmanship, and lasting relationships. We chat about traditional production methods, the evolving agave industry, and why building something meaningful matters more than chasing a quick exit.
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Ep 385 – Meredith Mills-Merritt: Transparency is Where It’s At
Meredith Mills-Merritt didn’t set out to make just another canned cocktail. Drawing on her background in beauty and brand innovation, she reimagined the RTD category with a family Southside recipe built on cleaner ingredients and transparency. We talk about building an alcohol brand from the ground up, why authenticity matters more than marketing, the future of drinking culture, and how the Clean Alcohol Collective is pushing the industry forward. It’s a thoughtful conversation about gin, entrepreneurship, and creating a brand with purpose—not just another product.
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Ep 384 – Pablo Antinori: The Story of Socorro Tequila
Pablo Antinori’s journey has taken him from Argentina and Bolivia to Texas, with stops in restaurants, Tuscany, distribution, and ultimately co-founding Socorro Tequila. We talk about adapting to constant change, building friendships across cultures, entrepreneurship, and why optimism has shaped every step of his career. Along the way, we dive into tequila, hospitality, innovation, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in a crowded market. It’s a fun, honest conversation about resilience, opportunity, and making the most of every chapter. And keep your eyes peeled for the new Still Strength version!
